Meet Emi Jeen | Alt-Pop Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emi Jeen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emi, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is staying unapologetically true to who I am. My music is raw, emotional, and powerful—just like the stories I tell. I want my fans to feel seen and empowered, whether they’re screaming the lyrics at the top of their lungs or finding comfort in my words.

I’ve faced countless rejections and hurtful misadventures in this industry—people telling me I didn’t fit, that I was either too alternative for pop or too pop for alternative. For years, I waited for labels, thinking I needed their approval to succeed. But after so many doors closed, my manager and I decided to create our own path. We built our own label, so I could fully control my image and sound, without compromising who I am.

Beyond that, my community is everything. My fans aren’t just listeners; they’re part of this journey. I connect with them, hear them, and create for them. And above all, persistence matters. The industry is tough, but my vision is key, and I’ll keep pushing forward, evolving, and making music that truly matters.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Music and singing are in my DNA—I honestly don’t know what I would do without them. I’m a bubbly person in real life, but through music, I tap into my deepest emotions. It’s my therapy, and I want it to be that for others too. I’m proud to stay unique by blending alternative and pop, two genres I truly love. It feels like I’ve been given this gift, this superpower of singing, and I can’t keep it to myself or let it go to waste.

My journey hasn’t been easy. I almost quit music more times than I can count, especially after my girl band disbanded and I had to rediscover myself as a solo artist. I’ve faced countless rejections and difficult experiences as a woman in the industry—men in power trying to make me feel smaller. But I’ve learned to be persistent, stay true to myself, and embrace authenticity no matter what.

Right now, I’m beyond excited about touring. I love meeting people live, jumping and screaming with them, and sharing that energy on stage. I’m heading back to Europe for 12 dates and playing Canadian summer festivals, including Osheaga. And the biggest milestone yet—I’m on my way to my debut album and about to drop the first single. This project finally captures the sound I’ve been striving for all these years.

Through every setback, I’ve realized that struggles only make me stronger. My art is my way of sharing resilience, emotion and truth. I want people to know that your vulnerability is your strength. When you embrace who you are—flaws, fears, and all—you stop just surviving and start thriving. Music helped me turn heartbreak and rejection into something beautiful, and I hope my songs can be a reminder that you’re never alone in your struggle.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Montreal — it’s got this magic that always feels like a little slice of Europe. I’d start by taking my best friend for a walk in the Old Port, it’s one of those places where you instantly feel inspired. We’d grab sandwiches at Bossa — honestly, one of my go-to spots — and later hit up Satay Brothers, which always brings back memories of performing in Asia with my girl band.

I’d definitely show them Crew Collective Café — it’s inside this old bank with the most stunning architecture, and it’s such a vibe. And to top it off, we’d grab a drink at Milky Way, which has the coolest atmosphere.

Montreal is full of little gems like that — amazing food, hidden spots, and this creative energy everywhere you go. It’s impossible not to fall in love with it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Without a doubt, my manager, Shawn Côté. I was in a girl band for years, and when we disbanded (long story ahah), I was completely lost. I was ready to quit music—I didn’t know who I was as a solo artist or if I even had the strength to go down that path alone. But Shawn believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He saw something in me when no one else did, and he pushed me to find my voice, my identity, and my power as an artist.

Having someone in your corner who truly sees your potential, even in your lowest moments, can make all the difference. I wouldn’t be here without that kind of belief, support, and relentless encouragement.

Website: https://www.emijeen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emijeen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/emijeen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emijeen

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/emijeenofficial

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@emijeen?

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/emi-jeen/1000644179
https://music.amazon.ca/artists/B00YHE88NQ?ref=dm_sh_96c2-7925-dmcp-0b2c-edbc6&musicTerritory=CA&marketplaceId=A2EUQ1WTGCTBG2

Image Credits
@Whitney Otte

@Chiara Ceccaioni

@Emilie Hebert